Roanoke Times News Quiz For March 29

1.

Associated Press Name this local politician.

U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte

Sen. John Edwards

Del. Lacey Putney

Sen. Ralph Smith

After more than half a century of service in the Virginia House of Delegates, Del. Lacey Putney, an independent from the 19th District, announced his retirement this week. Putney, of Bedford, served Alleghany County, part of Bedford and Botetourt counties and the cities of Bedford and Covington. Related story: Longtime delegate Lacey Putney of Bedford retiring after serving "with distinction"

Explanation

After more than half a century of service in the Virginia House of Delegates, Del. Lacey Putney, an independent from the 19th District, announced his retirement this week. Putney, of Bedford, served Alleghany County, part of Bedford and Botetourt counties and the cities of Bedford and Covington. Related story: Longtime delegate Lacey Putney of Bedford retiring after serving "with distinction"

2. A reader wrote to our What's On Your Mind columnist Tom Landon, asking about a man she's seen waving to cars at the Hardee's at Cove and Peters Creek roads. Apparently he's been at that corner for years. Do you remember how many years?

3

9

12

25

His name is William Faison, and he has been waving from that corner since 1988. According to people at the restaurant, they call him Willie, and say he never misses a day, even though he’s only on the clock as a Hardee's employee a few days a week. Related story: ‘Waving guy’ at Hardee’s has been at it quite a while

Explanation

His name is William Faison, and he has been waving from that corner since 1988. According to people at the restaurant, they call him Willie, and say he never misses a day, even though he’s only on the clock as a Hardee's employee a few days a week. Related story: ‘Waving guy’ at Hardee’s has been at it quite a while

3. We took a line from Ralph Berrier Jr.s Dadline column about the rising popularity of banjos among teens. Fill in the blank: "All over the country, kids are going bananas over banjos. Some have called this the '_______ Effect.'"

Avett

Mumford

Lumineers

Strumming

Rocking, neo-folkie bands such as Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers and the Avett Brothers have inspired a generation to strum on the old banjo. After Mumford & Sons performed during the Grammy awards in February, when they won two awards, online searches for banjo lessons spiked. Searches for guitars, mandolins and banjos increased 25-fold from before the Grammys. Related story: Youth going bananas over banjos

Explanation

Rocking, neo-folkie bands such as Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers and the Avett Brothers have inspired a generation to strum on the old banjo. After Mumford & Sons performed during the Grammy awards in February, when they won two awards, online searches for banjo lessons spiked. Searches for guitars, mandolins and banjos increased 25-fold from before the Grammys. Related story: Youth going bananas over banjos

4. Earlier this week, Gov. Bob McDonnell made several amendments to the transportation funding reform bill, including a change to the disputed $100 fee on hybrid cars. What would be the new fee?

$50

$64

$10

$84

The governor also amended the transportation bill to potentially extend regional taxing authorities beyond Virginia's urban areas to other areas statewide; reduced regional increases in real estate and taxes paid on hotel stays; and reduced the titling tax on vehicle purchases. Related story: McDonnell transportation bill edits extend local tax authority

Explanation

The governor also amended the transportation bill to potentially extend regional taxing authorities beyond Virginia's urban areas to other areas statewide; reduced regional increases in real estate and taxes paid on hotel stays; and reduced the titling tax on vehicle purchases. Related story: McDonnell transportation bill edits extend local tax authority

5. Virginia Tech's football practice fields will be renamed after which former Hokies player?

Steve Johnson

Bruce Smith

Tyrod Taylor

Frank Beamer

Former Hokies tight end Steve Johnson recently made a $1 million pledge toward the construction of a new indoor football practice facility. Johnson, a Hunstville, Ala., native, played tight end at Virginia Tech from 1984-87, finishing his career sixth on the school’s all-time list for career receptions by a tight end (84) and eighth in touchdowns (8). A sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 1988, Johnson played two NFL seasons, before retiring after tearing up his knee in a preseason game after signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 1990. Related story: Virginia Tech names football practice fields after former tight end Steve Johnson

Explanation

Former Hokies tight end Steve Johnson recently made a $1 million pledge toward the construction of a new indoor football practice facility. Johnson, a Hunstville, Ala., native, played tight end at Virginia Tech from 1984-87, finishing his career sixth on the school’s all-time list for career receptions by a tight end (84) and eighth in touchdowns (8). A sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 1988, Johnson played two NFL seasons, before retiring after tearing up his knee in a preseason game after signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 1990. Related story: Virginia Tech names football practice fields after former tight end Steve Johnson